Chorale__

Charles of Montresor, Baron of Artois and Patriarch of the House of Halcourt prepared to go and cast a vote for his beloved ambitious nephew. “Halcourt for Mayor!” the aging Lord reverberated through Elizabeth’s bustling streets.

The Baron of Artois Charles of Montresor laced his fingers together and nodded approvingly at his son Olivier’s plans— particularly impressed with his inclusion of the family’s culture. “See to it a basket of fruits is sent up to the growing Lord’s study in the morning before sunrise. A reward for his diligent work!” he proudly tutted to a nearby serviteur of the household.

The Baron of Artois Charles of Montresor looks unto the missive with great joy in the refuge of the Château de Murveiel. The little Lord’s grandfather rubbed his lips together and ushered “I’m.. a.. grand-pere?!” the Halcourt jumped from the cushioned seat below him and inquired with serviteurs of their household on a celebratory drink.

Charles of Montresor, Baron of Artois and Patriarch of House Halcourt patted his eldest son Henri on the back in an effort to console him, “C’est la vie, mon fils. Time will heal this pain.” and for his daughter he picked roses in the gardens of Murviel to deliver to her on the day of her union. “Mon amour- they’re growing up..” he lamented to the Lady Halcourt Luciana. @ErosTea @Kholibrii

The Baron of Artois smiled toward his beloved and reached for his coin-purse, “Only the best for mon fille!” Charles of Montresor extended to her. Named after his long gone aunt Winifred whom he endeared, the Halcourt patriarch would provide this budding rose whatever she wished for.

Flocks of birds were heard and seen above the Halcourt family’s holding in the Duchy of Alba in the early morning hours as letters dispatch from the aviary frantically. It reads as follows. To the Extended Family and Friends of Édouard Phillipe Halcourt d’Avigny, It is with deep sorrow that the House of Halcourt announces the passing of Lord Édouard Phillipe on the 14th of Malin’s Welcome. Édouard devoted much of his life to service, standing as an Officer in the Honourable Free Company of the Lowlands under the Duchy of Alba. He fought with unwavering resolve in numerous battles and wars, and later served with grace as the Lord Mayor of Elizabeth for six years. Édouard was a devoted husband and a loving father to four beautiful children, each of whom he cherished deeply. His warmth, guidance, and love shaped the hearts of his family, and his memory lives on in those he held most dear. May his legacy endure in the hearts of those he served and of whom he impressed. Ave Halcourt. An artist’s depiction of the clan celebrating, c. unknown To honor the late Halcourt’s memory, the family extends invitations to the Kingdom of Burgundy and their allies to attend his funeral which will be held at the Cathedral of St. Raguel in Elizabeth, Duchy of Alba and followed by a celebration of life in the town’s tavern. [12:00pm EST — Thursday, May 22nd] SIGNED AND NOTARIZED BY His Lordship, Charles of Montresor, Baron of Artois, Patriarch of the House of Halcourt OOC:

The Baron of Artois read the contents of the missive as he nestled into his family’s new arrangement, opting to descend upon a moving crate with sweat beading his brows from the day they’d endured. ”Diu protège le Roi,” Charles tutted with patriotism for his Burgundian counterparts. “God save the King,” he clarified for his young children and proclaims further, “Long may he reign. Tiberias— the Iron Surgeon.” a military salute rendered.

The Baron of Artois eyes welled up as the proclamation was made— a future secured once more for his family. A crying man he never had been, though memories of all of those that helped the House in their endeavors took over. Charles made several copies of the missive and attached to them a letter delivered my courier to each living Halcourt, ”I have no words, only merci. Our Father will always find a way.”

The Baron of Artois Charles of Montresor made the rally call to the banners of the House of Halcourt, “Let’s finish this.” he proclaimed heartily— pride and confidence exuding from the Alban patriarch.

The Baron of Artois was delivered the correspondence from the Ducal Coronet and had been sitting next to his hearth taking small drinks of herbal tea. Charles of Montresor did bob his head along with the words as he spoke it aloud to his children— “Alba is a great home for the Halcourt family, perhaps others will choose to prosper with us.”

wow i almost fell for it .. *looks at the date* .. (i actually did)

The Patriarch of the House of Halcourt gleamed upon this correspondence from his aging father, hoping it would enable him to fulfill his goal of becoming a Monsatic Knight. Charles of Montresor contentedly placed it then in the Relourian Archives for the House to view and began to pen a letter.

Lord Charles Phillip of the House of Halcourt, Envoy for the Duchy of Alba was sat in his chambers nearing the clouds as the missive reached him- he'd been telling his wife the Lady Mayor how concerned he'd felt over the missive that reached their people earlier that eve from the Kingdom of Balian. A quaint, humble city named Elizabeth was the Oracle which the Albans all sought after and found community. It angered him to his core that any would come in the way to jeopardize the jewel that the Halcourt dynasty had stumbled upon, "We will not be bullied, mon amour." the young Patriarch pledged, a proud regard plastering his countenance. @Kholibrii

"I believe it speaks volumes to their faith that they deliberately excluded the Pontifical States and Numendil from their pact... I wonder how the See will respond-- I pray they show them true mercy." commented Lord Charles Halcourt to his close relative within the Blessed Heart. @Virelie